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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges. 1. Look at the label Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire! The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't have any label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded. You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather. While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple. 2. Look at the back If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators. Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather. Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have a few bumps. You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time. Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream. Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a common practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather. Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather. 3. Check out the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations. Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided. The label and price may give you an idea but the only certain method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials. A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges. If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine design and function. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive scent – a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home. You can check the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If l shape leather sofa is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather. You can also take one of the cushions and look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather. Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch. The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather. When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.